What a Great Adventure!

Buckle your seatbelts, kids, it's going to be a bumpy ride!

Somehow, for us, taking The Boyz to an amusement park turns into an Act of Congress.

It began with the 2 1/2 hours it takes to just get breakfast in them and then clothes, socks and shoes, glasses, hats, & sunscreen on them. Followed by the holy ritual of "the packing of the cooler". This trip required two coolers because one was coming in the park with us (and that required day ahead phone calls and special medical clearance) and one that would be used for lunch.

The decision was also made to take two cars. We carefully weighed the chances of one of the four (some with greater statistical probability than others) having some sort of medical or emotional crisis. Think I'm overreacting? You haven't travelled with us. I knew it was costing us gas and I am glad that I did not factor in the extra $20 in parking because it would have clouded my judgement.

The Boyz and I earned tickets through GA's Read to Succeed Program. Without this deal, entrance to the park would have cost us $296.33.

Entering the park was like running an obstacle course. First we had to stop at "Guest Services #1" to have our tickets verified due to the fact that I could not produce teacher I.D., then off to "Security" to get clearance for our cooler, then "Guest Services #2" to find out if the park had any policies allowing Guests with Disabilities to gain faster access to rides (they did), and then to the "Height Station" to get measured, wristbanded and find out their policies regarding lost children (you're not going to ask why are you?)

After a brief meeting with these caped crusaders, any hassle was forgotten. We commenced the business of thrill seeking.

Happy to say all six of us rode this together, proud to say I was able to peel my hands from the safety bars at the end.

Everyone was brave and rollercoasters were conquered by everyone! We took in a dolphin show and and Looney Tunes Dance Contest. We were super-glad for our cooler when an unplanned trip to the concession stand produced a bill of $25 for a slice of pizza and a refillable soda.

We noticed Ethan seemed to most stressed out by going from ride to ride and we guessed that maybe it was genuine fatigue. I often forget, because he looks like such a strapping young man, that Down syndrome comes with excpetionally low muscle tone and everything is twice as hard for him. We rented a wheelchair not knowing if it was the answer. Bingo! He was actually glad to sit in it and made the afternoon much more "fuss free".

The hours ticked away and we added ride after ride to our 'done' list. We practically closed the park. Although the the day (and the beginning of this post) started off pretty tedious, the day ended with happy, tired boys who can add things like El Torro and Bizarro to their amusement park resumes. Some people would say it was just too much work, but Dennis and I share a deep desire to raise our kids in a way that they are able to experience, see and do as many things as we can possibly provide - and share an inordinate amount of energy!

Are you tired yet?

A Little 'culture for My Boys

Agriculture that is! We make a yearly pilgirmage out to our county's 4H Fair. It is interesting, inspiring and delicious. The boys say things like, "I didn't know kids could sew", "can I join a robotics club" and "can we have a guinea pig?"

It's a place where kids come to show off their wares, animals, clubs, creations, cooking, and countless other things.

So quaint, right? You wouldn't even know he's from North Plainfield with a yard the size of a postage stamp!

The boys tried juggling, spinning plates and hula hooping with the folks from The Circus Place. I think we will need to take a class or two there.

The animals of every shape and size are always the hightlight - even though they see them every year. Sean was at the cutest age to come across cows lounging in a tent!

There is a food tent, and we always look forward to the hot, buttery Jersey corn. It has been dinner on more than one occassion.

Today is the last day in Somerset County - bet there is still corn to be had.

Narcissus

This is the wall directly behind the head of Ethan's bed. Self-esteem issues? I think not.

Mikey has fun at the library.

It was a particularly exciting trip to the library. First of all, you would have thought that Jack & Annie, The Wimpy Kid and Jack Sparrow were all there in person by his reaction - "Please mom, take 'our' picture!" I obliged and ended up with these.

The real highlight of the evening was the "PAWS 4 Reading" program, where kids can spend a few minutes reading aloud to therapy dogs provied by St. Hubert's Animal Welfare.

He couldn't decide - "Go, Dogs, Go", "Balto", or "All About Wolves". He really thought they'd like to hear about themselves. Why read to dogs? They don't correct you or judge you and really are good listeners.

He always made sure he showed them the pictures.

The day after I posted this entry, this story was posted:

http://warren.patch.com/articles/warren-library-goes-to-the-dogs#photo-7320987

Up, up & Away!

Every year, New Jersey hosts the Quick Check Festival of Ballooning and each year we go out to watch. We do not pay to go see the concerts or enter the grounds but have found a secret (and free) location from where to watch ;)

At first, balloons start dotting the horizon and are best seen with a pair of binoculars, but beautiful to the naked eye.

When they have all made their ascent, on a beautiful clear night like last night, it is really a remarkable sight. Every color, shape and size. From the ground you can hear the faint roaring of the fire that is the only fuel that keeps these massive balloons afloat.

We then change locations to try and see some of these giants up close, skimming residential neighborhoods and treetops. It was clear that several would make there descent in a distant park.

We followed on foot after that, waiting for several to touch down. It is really amazing to see these baskets lower completely in control and so softly. The balloons hover for as long as the pilot keeps it there until a member of their team pulls a cord attached to the top of the balloon and lays it on the ground. Many teams do not want 'hands-on' spectators - lucky for us, the boys came across Mark Fritze and his Freedom Flyer. Once he landed, he made it clear that even the smallest spectators were welcome to help him pack up his massive balloon.

He methodically instructed the kids to roll carefully, with no sharp objects in their hands or pockets to completely deflate the balloon. They were also given a chance to handle it and pack it in it's sack.

He answered every question that Gavin could throw at him and gave these kids a fabulous experience. Add to resume - packed a hot air balloon!!

At the end of the evening, the boys recieved a "Freedom Flyer" balloon trading card! They also ran over and got one from the Pepsi balloon. I think we've found a new collection to pursue :)

http://www.hotairballoons.com/how_hotairballoon_works.asp

http://www.ehow.com/how_4826178_make-flying-paper-lanterns.html